![Scenes from the Rio All-Stars [white] and Leopold Street semi-final showdown at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue in the third annual Magnum Tonic Wine Mashramani Futsal Championships.](https://s1.stabroeknews.com/images/2020/02/leopold17.jpg)
Former winners Bent Street will battle newcomer Rio All-Stars in the final of the third annual Magnum Tonic Wine Mashramani Futsal Championship this Saturday after securing semi-final wins over Kingston and Leopold Street respectively at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.
Bent Street earned their second appearance in the final after defeating Kingston 5-3 Saturday night.
Colin Nelson scored a first half double in the third and 18th minute whilst William Europe, Sheldon Holden and Adrian Aaron etched their name on the scorer’s sheet in the 11th, 24th and 26th minute respectively.
On target in the loss was rising star Stephon Reynolds who recorded a hat-trick, the third of the elimination round, in the 10th, 31st and 38th minute. Similarly, Rio All-Stars bested Leopold Street by a 3-1 scoreline in a rematch of the earlier group round.
Kelsey Benjamin fashioned a brace as he found the back of the net in the 19th and 35th minute. Chipping in with a goal in the ninth minute was Trayon Bobb. For Leopold Street, Delwyn Fraser tallied a consolation goal in the 25th minute.
The losing finalists will face-off in the third place playoff.
Esan Griffith, the tournament coordinator during post-match comments said once again the tournament had produced unexpected results.
“All weeks of action and the participation of 24 teams, the coveted title will now be contested by Bent Street and Rio All-Stars. While the presence of Bent Street in the finale was a probability due to their pre-tournament status, once again the tournament has provided an unexpected outcome, as Rio All-Stars have defied expectations to seal their maiden appearance in a national final. This once again illustrates the competitive and unexpected nature of the tournament, which has provided several unexpected outcomes.”
He added: “The semi-final rounds exceeded all expectations, the fans were treated to a sublime level of play and the same will be expected of the championship match which pits an established and traditional power against an emerging force and threat. Once again the success of the tournament has hinged directly on the steadfast support of the players, fans and sponsors, whose input is vital for the continued evolution and progress of this platform and brand.”
